Chapter 7: Issuing the Buster Call! The Five Elders Establish Dominance Over the World!
There are a total of seven routes to enter the Grand Line from various directions.
However, without exception, all seven routes eventually point to Reverse Mountain.
The perimeter of the Grand Line is surrounded by the Calm Belt, inhabited by giant Sea Kings. It is common for these creatures to be as tall as mountain peaks and as voluminous as islands.
Even powerhouses renowned throughout the world might be devoured by Sea Kings if they wander therein; it is extremely dangerous!
After passing through Reverse Mountain, one can reselect their route from there.
At Reverse Mountain, Bai Ye met the ship doctor who would later board Roger's ship—Crocus.
In the waters near Reverse Mountain, a giant whale also wandered nearby.
The giant whale, Laboon. Five years ago, it made a promise with the Rumbar Pirates to wait here for their return.
At this time, Crocus was still young, and Laboon did not have those bone-deep scars on his head; he was still ignorant and innocent.
Bai Ye only made his acquaintance and did not deepen the friendship.
In the nearby waters, some ships that preyed on others were stationed.
Having mixed in the underground world accepting bounties for over a month, Bai Ye was familiar with the ways of the trade and obtained an Eternal Pose without blowing away any dust.
The route he chose was no different from the Straw Hats.
Preparing to depart from Reverse Mountain, the first stop was Whiskey Peak.
After all, one only has one life. With the advantage of foreknowledge, being slightly familiar with the local situation was beneficial.
At a critical moment, it could have a life-saving effect.
Whiskey Peak was located at the first stop of the Grand Line. Every year, countless pirates settled there.
Even fierce pirates became incredibly common once seen enough.
Inside the city, even ordinary people didn't pay much attention to the threat of pirates; instead, chains of industry emerged one after another.
Pirates earned money easily and spent it lavishly. Under their spending like dirt, the quality of life for local residents improved significantly.
Precisely because they became accustomed to this, the locals even began to refuse to pay the Heavenly Tribute to the World Government, a situation that had persisted for three years...
Mary Geoise.
"In recent years, more and more rookies have thrown themselves into piracy. Many duchies have also begun to develop ambition, refusing to pay the Heavenly Tribute to the World Government. This is not a good trend!"
In the wide and bright great hall, a bald man wearing geta and holding the Shodai Kitetsu proved his identity as one of the Five Elders.
The other four also had gloomy expressions, nodding in agreement one after another.
"Indeed, we should issue a warning. Kill the chicken to scare the monkey!"
"Many slaves in Mary Geoise have died recently; we are in need of replenishment."
"Where is the best choice for the target? This time, we must make the entire world tremble with fear. Do not let them birth unrealistic illusions!"
After a brief discussion, the Five Elders simultaneously arrived at the most suitable destination—
Whiskey Peak!
As the first point of passage for those entering the Grand Line from the Four Blues, it was becoming increasingly uncontrolled and needed to be properly tidied up!
Any duchy that did not obey the World Government or make offerings to the Celestial Dragons would lose the protection of the World Government!
The Five Elders smiled at each other, a murderous look flickering in their eyes.
"If we do it, we must root it out completely!"
"Issue a Buster Call! Exterminate all pirates on Whiskey Peak! Awe the whole world!"
...
"That pack of Celestial Dragons' running dogs!"
Marineford. Inside the conference room, Garp's roar could be heard.
"Exterminate all pirates? Ninety-nine percent of those living on Whiskey Peak are innocent residents! To actually ask the Marines to slaughter civilians, absolutely impossible!"
Sengoku, Zephyr, and others were on the side. Although they were not as unscrupulous as Garp, they all had ugly expressions.
Buster Call—the highest authority granted to the Marines by the World Government!
Once issued, five Vice Admirals, ten warships, and countless elites would arrive simultaneously!
Artillery coverage, indiscriminately bombing everything, reducing all things to crushed bones and dust!
There were a large number of ordinary people living on Whiskey Peak. Once initiated, it would send all those innocent people down to hell!
"Calm down! The Marines were founded to serve the Government!"
Kong spoke in a low voice, his eyes carrying a warning.
"Disrespect toward the Celestial Dragons is not permitted!"
Garp sneered, carrying intense resistance and dissatisfaction.
"Heh... The original intention of establishing the Marines was to carry the word 'Justice' on our backs! Not to be the running dogs of the Celestial Dragons! that bunch of bas... mmph mmph..."
Hearing him get more and more outrageous, the others either grabbed his arms or covered his mouth, preventing his words from continuing.
Kong was also used to Garp's reckless behavior. He only gave a helpless glance and did not pursue it further, turning to discuss business.
"Zephyr, will you lead the team?"
Zephyr shook his head, signifying refusal.
He believed deeply in justice and would absolutely not allow himself to participate in such a cruel operation!
Kong's gaze was heavy as he looked toward Sengoku on the side.
The reliable Vice Admirals were represented by these few; it couldn't be that none of them would show up.
Sengoku's expression was somewhat stiff, but ultimately, as a Marine, his professional duty to follow orders made him agree...
...
Whiskey Peak.
There were a large number of taverns and hotels in the city, used to entertain the pirate rookies passing through here.
Skull flags fluttered everywhere throughout the town; the characteristics were extremely distinct.
Bai Ye arrived here smoothly. Following the old rules, he headed straight for a tavern, tasting the local specialties while listening to people discuss gossip.
The tavern was a mix of fish and dragons. Whether they were black hands from the underground world, pirates sailing the seas, or even some merchants, most would gather here.
Bai Ye was only familiar with the plot after the Straw Hats. Pushing back forty years, the situation was naturally vastly different. Mastering more information did no harm.
"Recently, a batch of strong rookies has appeared in the New World. In just half a year, they've established quite a reputation!"
"Haha, that guy called Roger is the most arrogant one. He actually delusionally wants to find Laugh Tale; isn't that just a legend?"
"I heard the Rumbar Pirates fell into the Florian Triangle. They've been missing for a year; eighty percent chance they died in there..."
The information mentioned by the crowd was scattered. There were emerging rookies, pirate crew grudges, and the deaths of old-school powerhouses. Bai Ye even heard his own name.
"There's a guy in the North Blue who has been terribly rampant lately. He actually wiped out a Marine Branch by himself. His first bounty broke one hundred million; that's extremely rare!"
Some people clicked their tongues in wonder, while others expressed disdain.
"Just a lucky rookie, daring to mess around in the North Blue. Being so arrogant, I'm afraid his ship will sink as soon as he enters the Grand Line..."
Bai Ye did not express his stance, calmly collecting information.
However, before the wine in his glass had gone down by half, someone suddenly ran in holding a newspaper in panic, shouting loudly.
"Bad news! The World Government has issued a Buster Call! The target is exactly Whiskey Peak!"